Heartwarming photo of Fionan Mackessy reveals his childhood love for Kilkenny hurling

Kilkenny's won their sixth provincial title in a row on Sunday, beating Galway 3-22 to 1-20. - READ MATCH REPORT HERE

Amongst those in Derek Lyng's ranks is Kerry native Fionan Mackessy, who fulfilled a boyhood dream by winning his first Leinster medal in the black and amber despite being on the bench as he gradually recovers from injury.

LISTEN: Adrian Mullen, Cathal Mannion, Richie Power jnr - Leinster Final Special

Remarkably though, the Ardfert man's club shared a heartwarming post of Fionan 'in his favourite jersey' from 2009 shared on social media in 2018. 

"Fionan Mackessy in his favourite jersey, who was awarded the 'Hurler of the Week' medal in 2009 at the Hurling Cul Camp in Ardfert," his home club of St Brendan's posted to social media.

Mackessy has been selected as a Joe McDonagh Cup All-Star over the past five seasons in a row but made the switch to Kilkenny late last year.

Since joining the Kilkenny panel, Mackessy has been hit with some time on the sidelines due to injury but did return for the county's final match of the Leinster Championship round robin series in Chadwicks Wexford Park. - READ MORE HERE

ICYMI: 'The craic is mighty' - Brother of Fionan Mackessy on his move to Kilkenny